First of all, where does tea come from?
Tea is made from tea leaves, belonging to a species of shrub called Camellia sinensis or more commonly tea plant. It is mainly cultivated in Asia, particularly in China, India, Sri Lanka and Vietnam. The dried leaves are used in the composition of the drink, being infused in hot water for a few minutes.
Texts attest to the consumption of tea in China since the end of Antiquity. It is very widespread and appreciated for its supposed medicinal virtues. Tea then gradually spread throughout Asia before conquering Europe during the Renaissance. The drink was first prescribed to combat headaches or digestive problems, then gradually gained popularity.
The different varieties of tea
Black tea, green tea or white tea come from the same species. After harvest, the tea leaves will undergo different treatments in order to offer varieties of tea with different flavors. Very delicate, white tea is made from young dried buds. Very little oxidized, white tea retains a large part of its antioxidants.
Green tea is directly exposed to heat to prevent oxidation. As it is not fermented, its antioxidants are also better preserved. As for black tea, it undergoes a fermentation process before being dried. The result is a very oxidized tea, particularly rich in theine. Like coffee, black tea is appreciated for its stimulating aspect.
The supposed health properties of tea leaves
Tea leaves contain polyphenols, a family of molecules produced by plants to protect against external aggressions. Polyphenols in particular turn out to be powerful antioxidants. In 2012, the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published a study conducted on 75,000 Chinese women who regularly consumed green tea. They observed that ingesting green tea would reduce the risk of cancers of the colon, stomach and esophagus.
These are the polyphenols which have the ability to prevent the development of cancers. The ECGC “epigallocatechin gallate” also contained in tea prevents the formation of free radicals in order to regulate oxidative stress. Another study carried out by American researchers shows the natural ability of green tea to lower blood pressure. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory action, it could even reduce cholesterol levels.
Tea is a drink with multiple benefits that you would be wrong to deprive yourself of. At Kusmi, it accompanies you from morning until bedtime. Start the day right with a big bowl ofEnglish Breakfast organic, the breakfast black tea. At snack time, take a comforting break with a cup of organic almond green tea. To lead you into the arms of Morpheus, you will no longer be able to do without the rooibos Lovely Night.